Those familiar with David Letterman’s “Top Ten” list may be surprised to learn that one mass communications senior has made it to a top ten list of a very different kind on the popular late-night program.

A CBS network representative confirmed that Christina Porter, 21, a University of Louisiana at Monroe student from New Orleans, was offered one of ten internship slots with the Late Show.

The internship runs January through May 2009.

Porter will earn college credit while serving in the show’s music department under the direction of Paul Schaffer, Letterman's musical director and sidekick for 25 years.

“If I work there, I can work anywhere,” said Porter, who also majors in Spanish.

Porter competed with 20 finalists from across the nation to win a coveted spot working full time behind the scenes of the program. Porter admitted to being slightly unnerved by the competition.

“One was from Harvard and one was from Cornell, so I was a little intimidated,” said Porter.

“But I was hoping they could see past the Ivy League and look toward a southern student from a smaller university … I’m still in shock. I didn’t expect it to happen.”

The only thing Porter dreads about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? "It's cold up there!" she said, laughing.





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